Martha Mishoe Kiser

Martha Mae Mishoe Kiser was the second of six children born to Henry Cannon Mishoe, Sr. and Cirlester (Lissie) Sellers Mishoe on April 9, 1942 in Wilmington, North Carolina, New Hanover County.  The family moved to Marion, South Carolina where Martha graduated from Marion High School.  In pursuit of a career in nursing, Martha moved to New York City where she met her husband to be Odell Kiser, Sr. US Navy.  The wedding took place in Charleston, South Carolina and the family was blessed with Andrea and Odell, Jr.  They remained in Charleston, South Carolina until his orders changed to Mayport Naval Station, Mayport, Florida. After moving to Mayport, the family resided on base and prior to Odell Sr. military retirement the family moved into their home in Royal Palms, Atlantic Beach, Florida. Martha was always diligent in her employment career.  After her nursing career, she joined the faculty at Joseph Finnegan Elementary School where she was a Paraprofessional.  In later years she transferred to Seabreeze Elementary School where she retired in 2008 after numerous years of service in education.

From a Christian AME family, Martha sought membership at an AME Church. Her late uncle, Dr. Luna Isaac Mishoe was a member of the General Board of the AME Church and President of Delaware State College, so she had to remain AME.  She joined St. Andrew AME Church under the pastorate of Reverend Eugene Mobley. Her service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was one of devotion. She served on The Usher Board, Trustee Board, Alice M. Graham Women’s Missionary Society and was crowned “Miss St. Andrew AMEC” on Women’s Day. She exemplified a loving spirit of competition always. She knew she was a WINNER!  Martha was a member of the Queen Mary Chapter #210 O.E.S.  P.H.A and served under Worthy Matron Dorothy J. Thomas and Worthy Matron Mable McQueen. She held the office of Conductress. She was also a member of the Lily-White Lodge #121.

For a brief period, Martha moved to Virginia to live with her daughter and she was affiliated with First AME Church, Manassas, VA, Reverend Ronald Boykin, Pastor.  Martha wanted to live near her grandchildren and have the opportunity to visit her first cousins that she grew up with. She enjoyed traveling and was always on the go.  Upon Martha’s return to Jacksonville, she moved to Girvin Subdivision, where she became friend and caregiver to Richard Swafford and her sister Gwendolyn Mishoe Jones. As Martha’s health began to decline it became more and more difficult for her to be caregiver and she sought additional care from beloved friends and supporters seen and unseen.  Richard helped as much as possible and others included: Mrs. Marva Jean Beauford, Mrs. Eleanor Thompson, Dr. Eddie Collins, Mrs. Josephine and Ms. Rena Pitts, Ms. Dena Swank, Mrs. Regina Walls, and members and officers of St. Andrew AME Church.

She received care from Community Hospice & Palliative Care, Jacksonville, Florida. Martha was transported to Mayo Clinic where the final move from labor to reward occurred on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 4:36pm. As she transitioned from life to life eternal, she was with family, Andrea Mishoe and Karl Kiser, spiritual comfort from, Reverend & Mrs. Oliver Simmons, Mrs. Josephine Pitts, and Ms. Rena Pitts, friends Mrs. Marva Jean Beauford, Mrs. Eleanor Thompson, Mrs. Dorothy Thomas and her children, Anita & Eric and caregiver Ms. Dena Swank at her bedside.  Ms. Swank read 1 Timothy 4:7-8 to Martha and Pastor Simmons read a certificate of recognition as a SENIOR SERVANT at St. Andrew AME Church, signed by the Pastor and Bro. Samuel L. Thomas, and the 113th Anniversary Committee. 

Preceding her in death were her parents, Henry & Cirlester Mishoe; her husband, Odell Kiser, Sr.; sister, Jeanette Mishoe Schriner; brother in law, Ronald Lee Jones, Sr.; and numerous other loved ones. Cherishing her loving memories are, her devoted daughter, Andrea R. Mishoe, MD; her sons, Odell Kiser, Jr., FL, and Karl A. Kiser (Grandson) NC; her sisters, Gwendolyn Mishoe Jones, FL, Fannie Mishoe Cabbagestalk (Tommy), NY, Lois Mishoe, VA; her brother, Henry Cannon Mishoe Jr., (Helena) MD; her grandchildren who were a wonderful blessing to her, Tamara Dominique (Eddy) VA, & Karl A. Kiser, NC; her adorable great grandchildren, Lauren and Julian Dominique, VA, her aunt, Mrs. Cecelia Simmons Mishoe Harrison, MD; devoted friend, Richard Swafford; godchildren, Mr. Lance Beauford, GA and Ms. Dineshia Youngblood, FL; family friend, Ms. Heidi Veibl, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, former co-workers, neighbors and friends.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Southside is serving the family. 

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